Taco Bell is putting its spin on a fast-food classic: chicken nuggets.
The nuggets will be available nationwide starting Thursday but only for a limited time.
The Mexican chain is trying to appeal to Gen Z consumers' growing preference for chicken over red meat.
The rollout comes after successful tests in Minneapolis and Houston.
Taco Bell has marinated all-white meat in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk flavor, then coated it in crushed tortilla chips and breadcrumbs.
To complement the crispy nuggets, Taco Bell is introducing three new dipping sauces the company claims are specially made to elevate the nugget experience and attract adventurous Gen-Z eaters looking for fresh flavor combinations.
There's the Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, a spicy twist on the classic ranch. There's also the chain's signature Bell Sauce, a tangy and savory option, and a Jalapeño Honey Mustard sauce.
Taco Bell suggests a retail price of $3.99 for five nuggets with one sauce and $6.99 for 10 nuggets with two sauces. Customers can opt for a $10.49 value meal that includes five nuggets, one sauce, a crunchy taco, a beef chalupa, nacho fries, and a medium soda.
"As the inventors of Nacho Fries, Taco Bell is fully aware that reinventing an American classic with a Taco Bell twist is a responsibility we don't take lightly. But in a world dominated by chicken cravings, it was time to show the world how Taco Bell does chicken nuggets – unexpected and undeniably bold," said Taco Bell's Chief Marketing Officer, Taylor Montgomery.
"The Crispy Chicken Nuggets deliver a crispier, more flavorful nugget experience, and combined with the Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, we hope it will test people's devotion to their favorite nuggets."
The move is part of Taco Bell's strategy to expand its poultry offerings, catering to younger consumers, especially, Gen Z, who increasingly prefer chicken over red meat.
Taco Bell launched its "Cantina Chicken Menu" in March, featuring oven-roasted, shredded chicken in various tacos and salads.
The company says that helped increase sales by 5% during the quarter it launched.
